Born in Hiroshima, Japan, Iron Chef Japanese Masaharu Morimoto trained in a sushi restaurant before moving to the U.S. in 1985 at the age of 30. After working in several restaurants, he joined the highly acclaimed Nobu restaurant in New York City.

Morimoto polished his craft in New York’s melting pot and became a state-of-the-art world chef. His cutting-edge cuisine attracted the attention of Iron Chef producers, who invited him to become a Japanese Iron Chef. His skill, which outshines the trademark diamond stud in his left ear, has been recognized all around the world. While his cooking has Japanese roots, it’s actually “global cooking” for the 21st century. His unique fusion cuisine takes advantage of Japanese color combinations and aromas and uses Chinese spices and simple Italian ingredients, while maintaining a refined French style of presentation.

“Cooking is entertainment,” proclaims the revolutionary. Morimoto’s attitude is evident in his dishes, which retain a sense of fun and a bit of spice.

Morimoto opened his own restaurant, Morimoto, in Philadelphia in 2002 and a second one in New York City in 2006.

The gold standard for contemporary Japanese cuisine in the vibrant culinary capital of Philadelphia, Masaharu Morimoto’s flagship restaurant serves as a sublime showcase for the world-renowned chef’s exhilarating native cuisine. Pulling from both ancient Japanese tradition and of-the-moment culinary technique, the world-renowned Morimoto unlocks hidden layers of flavor on every plate, whether it’s sublime cuts of pristine sashimi or an inventive, unexpected spin with truly global influences. A haven for food enthusiasts with diverse and discerning palates, the Iron Chef accommodates all styles of dining, from an inventive mix-and-match a la carte meal to an opulent omakase, or tasting menu, tailored to your tastes by our kitchen. The breathtaking décor, built around a modern-yet-organic aesthetic that is both cutting-edge and comfortable, furthers the immersion into Morimoto’s daring, delicious world.